I just wanted to step away from my normal coverage of our wonderful City, to speak of the devastation happening in New Orleans, Louisiana. I lived in New Orleans from 1994 to 1996 and got a job almost immediately at the Court of the Two Sisters, located at 613 Rue Royale. I worked for the Feins, a very prominent family. The “Court” is a beautiful old building that has the largest courtyard in the French Quarter. I made fairly good money has a waiter and met and became friends with a lot of people.
I also met a good friend, Alexis Birdsong, who worked as a the Assistant Producer for the New Orleans “JazzFest”. I worked one season and got to meet; Earth, Wind and Fire, George Clinton, Herbie Hancock, and of course James Brown and many, many more stars. I drank at "Harry's Bar" and went to some fabulous parties. I attended three Mardi Gras, or better said “survived”. I lunched at some of the best restaurants in the South and gambled the night away.
I remember hearing of Princess Diana's death and sharing the experience with total strangers. I was there during “SuperBowl” when there was a huge blackout that took out the entire French Quarter. I was there during the horrific “Pizza Kitchen” killings and when the cargo ship slammed into the Riverside Shopping Mall.
I mention all of these incidents because in the aftermath of these difficulties, the people went on with life. They showed an unusual sense of self preservation that works for them. And during the bleak months and years ahead of them, I pray they may dig deep and find that strength again.

p.s. Michelle, Beck, Alexis, MaryAnne, Ned, John, Becky, MawMaw, Jerry Fein, my prays are with you all. Please be strong.